Army Frees 249 Boko Haram Suspects

The Nigerian army on Sunday announced the release from detention of 249 suspected Boko Haram members after they were investigated and cleared by the Joint Interrogation unit in Borno State.

Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, a Colonel, said in a statement that the release followed the approval of Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, a Lieutenant General.

“Those cleared and released include 169 males, 46 women and 34 children.Further breakdown shows that 203 of them were from 18 Local Government Areas of Borno State, while 44 were from other States as follows; Adamawa 2, Jigawa 2, Lagos 1, Oyo 1 and Yobe 38. However, 2 of them were from the Republic of Cameroon,” the statement read, adding that the two foreigners were handed over to the Borno State command of the Nigerian Immigration Service.

The suspects were handed over to the state government through the Commissioner for Local Government by the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Victor Ezugwu, a Brigadier General.

The state government’s representative urged those released to remain lawful as they go about their normal activities. He also commended the Nigerian military for its efforts in bringing peace to the state while also respecting human rights.